Homes evacuated after house destroyed in explosion in Longridge

Wheatley Drive, Longridge. Credit: Blog Preston

Homes have been evacuated and a man taken to hospital after a house was destroyed in a gas explosion in Longridge.

Crews from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service were called to Wheatley Drive in Longridge to reports of a gas explosion at around 10.30am this morning (1 September).

A home has taken severe damage as a result of the incident and crews from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service are currently in the process of extending a cordon they established when they arrived.

Nearby properties have been evacuated as a result of the incident.

Those nearby reported their houses shaking when the explosion took place. A number of nearby properties have significant damage to the rear of their homes in addition to the property where the explosion happened.

A spokesperson for police said: “Our officers were called to Wheatley Drive, Longridge, at 10.31am today (1st September) following reports of a gas explosion.

“Emergency services have attended and found a man with serious burn injuries. He was already out of the property when our officers arrived. He has been taken to hospital in a critical condition. Two other people have suffered minor injuries.

“One property has suffered significant damage and efforts are ongoing to make it safe. A small number of surrounding properties have been evacuated.

“A joint investigation will be launched in due course with our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause and circumstances that led the suspected gas explosion. We are also working with other partners at the scene, including the local authority, the North West Ambulance Service and Cadent.

“Anyone with information is asked to email forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or call 101. Quote log 492 of 1st September 2024.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said: “At 10:31 on 01 September, eight fire engines from Preston, Bamber Bridge, Penwortham, Longridge, Blackburn, Clitheroe, Leyland, Hyndburn and other specialist appliances including Urban Search and Rescue units, attended a reported gas explosion on Wheatley Drive, Longridge.

“Crews are likely to remain in attendance for some hours. Please avoid the area.”

Pictures below were taken from various views around the emergency services cordon during the course of Sunday morning and lunchtime by Blog Preston

Longridge Civic Hall in Calder Avenue is acting as an emergency point for anyone affected by the explosion. Their kitchen is also open to serve emergency services and others as the operation in Wheatley Drive continues.

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